RUSSELL ROUNDUP
CHEMIST DON FROST SAYS ‘GOODBYE’ AFTER 20 YEARS!
Popular Russell Island Pharmacist, Don Frost, is saying goodbye to our islands. Don has revealed that he has sold the pharmacy to the LiveLife Pharmacy Group. Don says ’it’s time’ and that 20 years has been ‘long haul’. “I wish to say goodbye to so many wonderful island people and customers. I will miss my staff here terribly. I have had some great people to work with over the years,” he said. Don says the LiveLife Pharmacy group has as excellent reputation that started out with a couple of like-minded pharmacies, in 1983. Don finishes up in early December, so don’t forget to call in and day final ‘goodbye’ and thanks for 20 years of great island pharmacy service.
NEW JETTY terminal PAINT ‘GRAFITTI’?
Well, we initially thought it was a case of intricate graffiti at the new Russell Island jetty terminal entrance. A unique pattern all over the concrete in white paint seemed extreme and time consuming. Surely the ‘culprit’ would have been caught on CCTV cameras that are at the site? Not so, we soon realised. It appears that some fault lines were being identified in the concrete and, by the looks of things, there is a huge problem with hairline cracks. Don’t know what it all means, as the intricate pattern begins to fade.
BIG RESPONSE TO SUPA IGA FEATURE
The front cover and two page feature about the Russell Island Supa IGA feature in our November edition certainly had an impact. Many have complimented on the ‘colourful’ front cover and the improved and expanded island supermarket. The IGA has been upgraded to the high standard supermarkets owned by Tyrone Jones and his Jones Group. It started with the fruit and vegetables section, and then a super major total rebuild and revampment of the ‘Deli’ section. There on display is a wonderfully colourful selection of foods of just about every type. The backing section has also been expanded considerably, and the butchery section has always been renowned for its quality and price of product.
TARA ON CANAIPA
Saturday, 18 November, was a perfect day for Shane Rendalls, Candidate for Division 5, to host his Fun-Raiser event at Tara on Canaipa. There was lots of energy and positive people in attendance enjoying the festival atmosphere in the sunshine, with live music, art, conversation and community spirit. Locals supporting locals is a great thing to see and reflective of Shane’s core values of COMMUNITY, ENVIRONMENT, OPPORTUNITY and WELLBEING. More than 200people turned up on the day, making it an outstanding success.
RUSSELL ISLAND BOWLS CLUB
The Russell Island Bowls Club has something very different this year in the lead up to Christmas. it is hold a special Christmas Play that is sure to be lots of fun. A special troupe will be bringing this special performance. the club also has a big New Year’s Eve planned with entertainment and fun to herald in the New Year 2024.
RUSSELL ISLAND RSL CLUB
The Russell Island RSL has a big Christmas season planned. Not only will there be the popular Christmas raffle and meat trays raffles, but also a special FREE Christmas Luncheon. Seats are limited, so if you want a ticket, you have to ask at the bar of the rSL Club. This will be followed up with a big New Year’s Eve night with some great entertainment with Mama Ju Ju and the Jazz Tarts who knock out some great music. Coza Lita will also be performing on the night. Check out the new page in this edition for what is coming up.
TRIVIA AND BINGO HELP!
By the way, the Russell Island RSL Club is looking for people who may wish to help the club run new BINGO and TRIVIA events on a weekly basis. If you think you can help, give Jodie a visit at the Club.
GREAT ARTS SHOWS AT RICARTS
There have been some really great arts shows at RICARTS in the lead up to Christmas, There was the Bella Curlew event where her unique birdlife came to life in art and pottery images (they are brilliant). It was followed up by the Tina Alchin exhibition with not just beautiful paintings but some absolutely exquisite pottery, described as ‘ the stunning fusion of pottery and oil paintings that draw inspiration from the environment’. RICARTS events are great for anyone new to the island who would like to meet a great bunch of artistically-minded people.
RICARTS GROWTH
By the way, Mandy Pearson tells us that RICARTS member numbers have swelled to a wonderful 115 new and paid-up members across groups, as at November 2023. With the increased member numbers comes a wonderful diversification of skills and talent to share amongst the group to all benefit and grow. As well as diversification of skills and talents, the growing membership numbers also mean an increased and varied range of health and mobility issues together with an interesting mix of colourful personalities. RICARTS is proud that they are an inclusive community art group who enjoy socialising almost as much as being creative – having fun and creating lovely memories together. Art helps many manage their own wellness, both at home and while in this community space.